Method and apparatus for delivering content to augmented reality devices

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method performed by a processing system including a processor, including receiving, from an augmented reality device, image data associated with a visual apparatus, determining whether the image data indicates a marker, and, responsive to determining that the image date indicates the marker, determining a first characteristic associated with a user of the augmented reality device, and sending a notification to an advertising server responsive to determining the image data includes the marker, where the advertising server sends content data to the augmented reality device responsive to the notification, and where the content data is selected by the advertising server according to the first characteristic associated with the user of the augmented reality device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/700,097 filed Dec. 2, 2019. The contents of each of the foregoing arehereby incorporated by reference into this application as if set forthherein in full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for deliveringcontent to augmented reality devices.

BACKGROUND

Modern telecommunications systems provide consumers with telephonycapabilities while accessing a large variety of content. Consumers areno longer bound to specific locations when communicating with others orwhen enjoying multimedia content or accessing the varied resourcesavailable via the Internet. Network capabilities have expanded and havecreated additional interconnections and new opportunities for usingmobile communication devices in a variety of situations. Intelligentdevices offer new means for experiencing network interactions in waysthat anticipate consumer desires and provide solutions to problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system for delivering content to augmented realitydevices functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system flow diagram for delivering content to augmentedreality devices functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for delivering content to augmented reality devices, such asaugmented or alternative reality glasses. An augmented reality devicecan receive image data associated with a visual apparatus. The visualapparatus can be any device or structure that presents or rendersadvertising in a public space. The augmented reality device can sendthis image data to an image processing server. The image processingserver can determine from the image data whether a marker is included orindicated. If the marker is found, then the image processing server cansend a notice to an advertising server. The notice can include acharacteristic, such as a characteristic of the augmented reality deviceor of the user of the augmented reality device. The advertising servercan use the notification and the characteristic to select content data,such as advertising. The content data can be an advertisement creative,such as a three-dimensional creative or link. The augmented realitydevice can receive the content data from the advertising server and canpresent this content data to the user. Other embodiments are describedin the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device,comprising a processing system including a processor and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can includereceiving, from an augmented reality device, image data associated witha visual apparatus and a first characteristic associated with theaugmented reality device. The augmented reality device may capture theimage data responsive to receiving a signal from the visual apparatus.The operations can also include determining whether the image dataindicates a marker. Responsive to determining that the image dataindicates the marker, the operations can further include sending anotification to an advertising server. The first characteristicassociated with the augmented reality device may include anidentification of an application executing via augmented reality device.The advertising server may send content data to the augmented realitydevice responsive to the notification. The content data may be selectedby the advertising server according to the first characteristicassociated with the augmented reality device. The content data mayinclude three-dimensional image data.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations. The operations can include receiving, from an augmentedreality device, image data associated with a visual apparatus and afirst characteristic associated with the augmented reality device. Theaugmented reality device may capture the image data responsive toreceiving a signal from the visual apparatus. The operations can alsoinclude determining whether the image data indicates a marker.Responsive to determining that the image date indicates the marker, theoperations can further include sending a notification to an advertisingserver. The advertising server may send content data to the augmentedreality device responsive to the notification. The content data may beselected by the advertising server according to the first characteristicassociated with the augmented reality device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method,performing operations via a processing system including a processor. Themethod can include receiving, from an augmented reality device, imagedata associated with a visual apparatus and a first characteristicassociated with a user of the augmented reality device. The method caninclude determining whether the image data indicates a marker.Responsive to determining that the image date indicates the marker, themethod can also include sending a notification to an advertising server.The advertising server may send content data to the augmented realitydevice responsive to the notification. The content data may be selectedby the advertising server according to the first characteristicassociated with the user of the augmented reality device.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a communications network 100 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. For example,communications network 100 can facilitate in whole or in part deliveringcontent to augmented reality devices. An augmented reality device canreceive image data associated with a visual apparatus. The augmentedreality device can send this image data to an image processing server.The image processing server can determine from the image data whether amarker is included or indicated. If the marker is found, then the imageprocessing server can send a notice to an advertising server. Theadvertising server can use the notification and a characteristic toselect content data, such as advertising. The augmented reality devicecan receive the content data from the advertising server and can presentthis content data to the user. In particular, a communications network125 is presented for providing broadband access 110 to a plurality ofdata terminals 114 via access terminal 112, wireless access 120 to aplurality of mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station oraccess point 122, voice access 130 to a plurality of telephony devices134, via switching device 132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality ofaudio/video display devices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition,communication network 125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175of audio, video, graphics, text and/or other media. While broadbandaccess 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130 and media access 140are shown separately, one or more of these forms of access can becombined to provide multiple access services to a single client device(e.g., mobile devices 124 can receive media content via media terminal142, data terminal 114 can be provided voice access via switching device132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system 200 functioning within the communication networkof FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. FIG. 2Bis a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of asystem flow diagram 250 for delivering content to augmented realitydevices functioning within the communication network of FIG. 1 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. Referring to FIGS.2A-2B, in one or more embodiments, the system 200 can include anaugmented reality device 225, an image processing server 230, anadvertising server 235, and a visual apparatus 240. The augmentedreality (or artificial reality) device 225 can be a wearable device thatincludes a display. For example, the augmented reality device 225 can bein form of smart glasses or goggles that allow the user to view contentimages on a display along (e.g., superimposed upon) images of the realworld around the user. The augmented reality device 225 can, forexample, include lenses that allow for transparent viewing of the realworld, as with traditional glasses, while further including the abilityto display images. These images can appear to the user as superimposedadditions to the real world and, therefore, provide a form of augmentedreality. In one or more embodiments, the augmented reality device couldbe a non-wearable device. For example, the augmented reality could bepresented at a mobile communication device or smart phone. The phonecamera can capture real world images and combine those images with theaugmented reality.

In one or more embodiments, the augmented reality device 225 can detecta visual apparatus 240, such as a billboard, a banner, a sign. Theaugmented reality device 225 can include a camera for capturing images.For example, the camera can capture images in the field of view of auser, who is wearing the augmented reality device 225. The augmentedreality device 225 can send an image or a series of images or video tothe image processing server 230. In addition to the captured image, theaugmented reality device 225 can include, with the image, one or morecharacteristics associated with the augmented reality device 225. Forexample, the augmented reality device 225 can send a characteristicdescribing a capability of the augmented reality device 225 ordescribing an application currently running at the augmented realitydevice 225 (or at another mobile device associated with the augmentedreality device 225). In another example, the augmented reality device225 can send a characteristic describing a user of the augmented realitydevice 225, such as user profile characteristics. The augmented realitydevice 225 can send location information to the image processing server230. The location information can be associated with the currentlocation of the augmented reality device 225 and can, for example, bebased on information from a global position system (GPS) operating at orin conjunction with the augmented reality device 225.

In one or more embodiments, the image processing server 230 can analyzethe image data from the augmented reality device 225 to determine if theimage includes a marker. The marker can be an image or a code that canbe used to signify that additional content or advertising material hasbeen associated with the visual apparatus 240 and that this additionalcontent or advertising material can be made available to the augmentreality device 225. If the image processing server 230 determines that amarker is present in the image data, then the image processing server230 can send a notification to the advertising server 235. Thisnotification can include information indicating that the marker wasfound and can further include information describing the one or morecharacteristics associated with the augmented reality device 225. Thenotification can also include the location information for the augmentedreality device 225.

In one or more embodiments, the advertising server 235 can crossreferences the information from the notification against a database ofcontent or advertisements, such as three-dimensional (3D) assets orcreatives that have been previously associated with the visual apparatus240. For example, a visual apparatus 240 displaying ad advertisementfrom a vehicle manufacturer might be associated with one or more 3Dcreatives that the manufacturer wants to make available for display tousers of augmented reality devices 225 operating in an area near thevisual apparatus 240. If the advertising server 235 matches thenotification information to a particular advertising item, then theadvertising server 235 can then send an advertising item (e.g., acreative, a 3D creative, associated metadata, an internet link) to theaugmented reality device 225 for display. In one embodiment, where theaugmented reality device 225 stores a set of advertisements, theadvertising server 235 can send an indicator to the augmented realitydevice 225 telling it which advertisement the advertisement server 235has selected to present.

In one or more embodiments, the augmented reality device 225 can bewearable or can be carried. The augmented reality device 225 can includevarious capabilities, such as abilities to display 2D or 3D images,display resolutions, head-up display (HUD) capabilities, sound systemcapabilities, and/or haptic feedback capabilities. The advertisingserver 235 can select advertising content based on these capabilities asreported by the marker notification. A user profile can be used to storeinformation associated with the user of the augmented reality device225. Specific information, such as user identity, can be included in themarker notification as can non-specific information, such as demographicgroup data. The advertising server 235 can use the user information inselecting the advertising content. The current location of the augmentedreality device 225 can be included in the marker notification. Theadvertising server 235 can determine the advertising content and/orwhether to send the advertising content to the augmented reality device225 based on the location information. In one embodiment, the imageprocessing server 230 can use the location information as a proxy forthe marker. That is, if the augmented reality device 225 is located in acertain area, then the image processing server 230 can conclude that aparticular visual apparatus 240—one known to have a marker—is nearby. Inthis case, the image processing server 230 can forgo analysis of theimage data and simply conclude that a marker is detected based onlocation. In one example, the image processing server 230 and theadvertising server 235 can be preset to send any augmented realitydevice 225 in a particular geographic area a common advertisement, suchas a 3D creative, based simply on their location information.

In one or more embodiments, the image data that is sent by the augmentedreality device 225 to the image processing server 230 can include acoded marker. The coded marker can be in the form of a barcode or a QRcode, which can include encoded information identifying the visualapparatus 240 and/or particular advertising content. The imageprocessing server 230 can simply decode the coded information from theimage data and use this information to identify the marker.Alternatively, the image data can include a standard, or known, image.For example, the image data can include a trademark or copyrighted imagethat has been linked to particular advertising content. The imageprocessing server 230 can compare the image data via image patternrecognition, metadata comparison, or any combination, in full or inpart, to a database of known images. If the image processing server 230matches the image data to its database, then it can conclude that aparticular marker has been detected.

In one or more embodiments, the image processing server 230 can activelyscan the image data provided by the augmented reality device 225 forimage markers and/or known locations. Hits on markers can then triggerqueries of the advertising server 235, which cross references themarkers, locations, and/or characteristics to advertisements in itsdatabase. Once cross reference is complete, and a particular asset isfound in the database of the advertising server 235, then theadvertising server 235 can stream the selected asset to augmentedreality device 225. The augmented reality device 225 can load thecreative asset, locally, and a display algorithm can present thecreative asset in such in a way as to allow the user to experience thecreative and visual apparatus 240 and/or location in an immersiveenvironment. The user can interact with the advertising asset via theaugmented reality device 225, can dismiss it, or can save it for later.For example, the user can select the advertising asset. The augmentedreality device 225 can present the advertisement. The user can operateor manipulate presented advertisement by selecting options orinformational metadata. In one embodiment, a user wearing an augmentedreality device 225, indoors or outdoors, should be able to see one ormore 3D create assets for advertisement with respect to the markers orlocation. For example, a user can be walking along a street when heraugmented reality headset 225 detects a visual apparatus 240 in the formof a billboard of a car advertisement. The image is captured by theaugmented reality device 225, a marker is detected by the imageprocessing server 230, and the advertising server 235 selects andprovides a 3D creative asset to the augmented reality device 225. Theuser of the augmented reality device 225 can then see the 3D creativeasset (e.g., a vehicle) and can then interact with this vehicle in 3Dspace, in real time, using the capabilities of the augmented realitydevice 225,

In one or more embodiments, 3D creative content can be streamed to theaugmented reality device 225 via any of several mechanisms. Thestreaming mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, point cloudand/or mesh streaming mechanisms. Point cloud streaming can provide a 3Dcreative in the form of a cloud of pixels mapped to 3D (i.e., x, y, z)space. Mesh streaming can provide a 3D creative in the form of a set ofsurfaces that can be combined to form 3D shapes. In one or moreembodiments, the 3D creative content can be any of several types,including but not limited to, volumetric, low poly, and/or realitycapture. Volumetric content can be generated via a full 3d scan of anobject in holographic form. Low poly content can be generated as a 3Dpainting and/or an animated version of an object. Reality capturecontent can be generated using a mesh technology, where data is capturedand reproduced via rendering.

In one or more embodiments, the augmented reality device 225 can receivea wireless signal from the visual apparatus 240 and/or from a deviceand/or local area network (LAN) in an area near the location of thevisual apparatus 240. The augmented reality device 225 can determine thepresence of a marker based on this signal. In one embodiment, theaugmented reality device 225 can emit a visual signal, such as alight-emitting diode signal. The augmented reality device 225 candetermine the presence of the marker based on this visual signal. In oneembodiments, a wireless signal can be relayed to the augmented realitydevice 225 via a third party device, such as a smartphone or a vehicle.The augmented reality device 225 can use this third-party signal as amarker for the visual apparatus 240.

In one or more embodiments, the augmented reality device 225 and/or theimage processing device 230 can detect multiple markers in closeproximity of time and/or location. Or, a single marker can be associatedwith more than one advertising creative. In these situations, theadvertising server 235 can use additional information to determine whichmarker, or which option of a marker, receives priority in the selectionof the advertising creative. The advertising server 235 can analyzeaddition information, such as but not limited to, time of day, day ofweek, profile of AR user, prior advertisement interactions (e.g., don'tselect an advertising creative not already seen or do repeat the priorad), response to prior advertisement interactions (e.g., don't show anadvertisement for oil companies, because user has reacted negatively tothis in the past), social media (e.g., select an advertisement that theuser's spouse likes), capabilities of AR system, application running onAR system (e.g., don't select any advertising creative because user isusing an art museum application to tour a museum), activity occurring(e.g., movement information indicates user is jogging at the park, sodon't select an advertising creative right now), prior activity (e.g.,user just left restaurant, so bias towards an advertisement creative fora beverage rather than an entrée), opt-in or opt-out (e.g., user hasopted into an advertising agreement that allows the advertising serverto use personal information to select or modify an advertisingcreative).

In one or more embodiments, the augmented reality device 225 can includean eye tracking capability. The augmented reality device 225 can use eyemovement, direction, and/or focus information to determine if the useris looking at a particular object, such as the visual apparatus 240, isfocused or unfocused, and/or is reading. This eye-tracking informationcan be reported to the advertising server 235, which can use it forselecting (or not selecting) a particular creative. In one embodiment,the augmented reality device 225 can detect and distinguish hand gestureinformation. This information can be used for selecting,enabling/disabling, and/or interacting with a particular creative. Inone or more embodiments, the advertising server 235 can provide Internetlinks and/or metadata to the augmented reality device 225. For example,the image processing server 230 can determine that the user is lookingat a poster for a particular movie. The advertising server 235 canselect and provide a link to a location for accessing movie ticketsand/or additional information. In one or more embodiments, theadvertising server 235 can provide a group of users of augmented realitydevices 225 with a multi-shared experience by sending all of theaugmented reality devices 225 the same advertising creative and bytiming the presentation of the creative at each of the augmented realitydevices 225 so that every user shares the experience at or near the sametime.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 260 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. While for purposes of simplicityof explanation, the respective processes are shown and described as aseries of blocks in FIG. 2C, it is to be understood and appreciated thatthe claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, assome blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with otherblocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not allillustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods describedherein. At step 262, an image processing server can receivecharacteristics of an augmented reality device and/or characteristics ofa user of an augmented reality device. At step 264, the image processingserver can receive image data from the augmented reality device. Theimage data can be received from a second augmented reality device. Theimage data can be captured by the augmented reality device and caninclude images from a visual apparatus. At step 266, the imageprocessing server can determine if the image data of the visualapparatus includes a marker.

At step 276, if the image data is found to contain a marker, then theimage processing server can send a notification to an advertisingserver. The notification can include the characteristic information andcan include location information. At step 280, the advertising servercan use the information from the notification to select content, such asan advertising creative. At step 284, the advertising server can sendthe selected content to the augmented reality device for presentation tothe user.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of communicationnetwork 100, the subsystems and functions of system 200, and method 230presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3 . For example, virtualizedcommunication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in part deliveringcontent to augmented reality devices. An augmented reality device canreceive image data associated with a visual apparatus. The augmentedreality device can send this image data to an image processing server.The image processing server can determine from the image data whether amarker is included or indicated. If the marker is found, then the imageprocessing server can send a notice to an advertising server. Theadvertising server can use the notification and a characteristic toselect content data, such as advertising the data. The augmented realitydevice can receive the content data from the advertising server and canpresent this content data to the user.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part delivering content to augmented realitydevices. An augmented reality device can receive image data associatedwith a visual apparatus. The augmented reality device can send thisimage data to an image processing server. The image processing servercan determine from the image data whether a marker is included orindicated. If the marker is found, then the image processing server cansend a notice to an advertising server. The advertising server can usethe notification and a characteristic to select content data, such asadvertising the data. The augmented reality device can receive thecontent data from the advertising server and can present this contentdata to the user.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4 , the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part delivering content to augmented reality devices. Anaugmented reality device can receive image data associated with a visualapparatus. The augmented reality device can send this image data to animage processing server. The image processing server can determine fromthe image data whether a marker is included or indicated. If the markeris found, then the image processing server can send a notice to anadvertising server. The advertising server can use the notification anda characteristic to select content data, such as advertising the data.The augmented reality device can receive the content data from theadvertising server and can present this content data to the user.

Generally, mobile network platform 510 can comprise components, e.g.,nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, thatfacilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP),frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS)traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation fornetworked wireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobilenetwork platform 510 can be included in telecommunications carriernetworks, and can be considered carrier-side components as discussedelsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gatewaynode(s) 512 which can interface CS traffic received from legacy networkslike telephony network(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network(PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7(SS7) network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part deliveringcontent to augmented reality devices. An augmented reality device canreceive image data associated with a visual apparatus. The augmentedreality device can send this image data to an image processing server.The image processing server can determine from the image data whether amarker is included or indicated. If the marker is found, then the imageprocessing server can send a notice to an advertising server. Theadvertising server can use the notification and a characteristic toselect content data, such as advertising the data. The augmented realitydevice can receive the content data from the advertising server and canpresent this content data to the user.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: determining a current activityassociated with an augmented reality device according to movementassociated with the augmented reality device; receiving, from theaugmented reality device, image data associated with a first visualapparatus, wherein the augmented reality device captures the image dataresponsive to receiving a signal from the first visual apparatus;determining whether the image data indicates a first marker associatedthe first visual apparatus, wherein a second marker associated with asecond visual apparatus is previously detected, and wherein the firstmarker is in proximity to the second marker; and responsive to thedetermining that the image data indicates the first marker associatedwith the first visual apparatus, sending a notification to anadvertising server including the first marker associated with the firstvisual apparatus, the second marker associated with the second visualapparatus, and the current activity associated with the augmentedreality device, wherein the advertising server sends content data to theaugmented reality device responsive to the notification, wherein thecontent data is selected by the advertising server according to apriority between the first marker and the second marker, and wherein theadvertising server determines a priority between the first marker andthe second marker according to the current activity.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the current activity associated with the augmentedreality device is further determined according to location informationassociated with the augmented reality device.
 3. The device of claim 2,wherein the advertising server further determines whether to send thecontent data to the augmented reality device according to the locationinformation associated with the augmented reality device.
 4. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the augmented reality device captures the image datafurther responsive to analyzing eye movement associated with the firstvisual apparatus.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the operationsfurther comprise determining a prior activity associated with theaugmented reality device according to movement associated with theaugmented reality device, wherein the notification further includes theprior activity, and wherein the content data is further selectedaccording to the prior activity.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein thedetermining whether the image data indicates the first marker includescomparing the image data to a plurality of images associated with aplurality of markers.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein a first locationassociated with the first marker is proximate to a second locationassociated with the second marker.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise receiving a characteristic associated with auser of the augmented reality device.
 9. The device of claim 8, whereinthe characteristic associated with the user of the augmented realitydevice includes user profile data, prior advertising interaction data,or a combination thereof.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the contentdata is further selected by the advertising server according to thecharacteristic associated with the user of the augmented reality device.11. The device of claim 1, wherein the content data comprisesthree-dimensional image data.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein thethree-dimensional image data is streamed as a point cloud data, meshcloud data, or a combination thereof.
 13. A non-transitorymachine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processing system including a processor, facilitateperformance of operations, the operations comprising: determining acurrent activity associated with an augmented reality device accordingto movement associated with the augmented reality device; receiving,from the augmented reality device, image data associated with a firstvisual apparatus, wherein the augmented reality device captures theimage data responsive to receiving a signal from the first visualapparatus; determining whether the image data indicates a first markerassociated the first visual apparatus, wherein a second markerassociated with a second visual apparatus is previously detected, andwherein the first marker is in proximity to the second marker; andresponsive to the determining that the image data indicates the firstmarker associated with the first visual apparatus, sending anotification to an advertising server including the first markerassociated with the first visual apparatus, the second marker associatedwith the second visual apparatus, and the current activity associatedwith the augmented reality device, wherein the advertising server sendscontent data to the augmented reality device responsive to thenotification, wherein the content data is selected by the advertisingserver according to a priority between the first marker and the secondmarker, and wherein the advertising server determines a priority betweenthe first marker and the second marker according to the currentactivity.
 14. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 13,wherein the content data is further selected according to a prioractivity associated with the augmented reality device.
 15. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein thedetermining whether the image data indicates the first marker includesdecoding a coded message included in the image data, comparing the imagedata to a plurality of images associated with a plurality of markers, ora combination thereof.
 16. The non-transitory machine-readable medium ofclaim 13, wherein the content data is further selected by theadvertising server according to a characteristic associated with a userof the augmented reality device.
 17. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 13, wherein the current activity associated with theaugmented reality device is further determined according to anidentification of an application executing via the augmented realitydevice.
 18. A method, comprising: determining, by a processing systemincluding a processor, a current activity associated with an augmentedreality device according to movement associated with the augmentedreality device; receiving, by the processing system, from the augmentedreality device, image data associated with a first visual apparatus,wherein the augmented reality device captures the image data responsiveto receiving a signal from the first visual apparatus; determining, bythe processing system whether the image data indicates a first markerassociated the first visual apparatus, wherein a second markerassociated with a second visual apparatus is previously detected, andwherein the first marker is in proximity to the second marker; andresponsive to the determining that the image data indicates the firstmarker associated with the first visual apparatus, sending, by theprocessing system a notification to an advertising server including thefirst marker associated with the first visual apparatus, the secondmarker associated with the second visual apparatus, and the currentactivity associated with the augmented reality device, wherein theadvertising server sends content data to the augmented reality deviceresponsive to the notification, wherein the content data is selected bythe advertising server according to a priority between the first markerand the second marker, and wherein the advertising server determines apriority between the first marker and the second marker according to thecurrent activity.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the content datais further selected by the advertising server according to acharacteristic associated with a user of the augmented reality devicewherein the characteristic associated with the user of the augmentedreality device includes user profile data, prior advertising interactiondata, or a combination thereof.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein thedetermining whether the image data indicates the first marker includesdecoding a coded message included in the image data, comparing the imagedata to a plurality of images associated with a plurality of markers, ora combination thereof.